BOSTON (WWLP) – Out of thousands of first-graders across Massachusetts, one Springfield boy was recognized for his artwork Thursday.

The contest is called “My Ideal School” and first-graders from across the state submitted drawings about how a building’s design and construction encourages learning.

Eight first-graders were recognized. The Massachusetts School Building Authority asked students how their school’s design and construction impacts their ability to learn.

Springfield first-grader Belal Shabaneh’s artwork was chosen from among thousands, and he told 22News he’s passionate about improving the Alice Beal School. “What I like most about school, cleaning it and taking care of it,” said Shabaneh.

Springfield State Senator Jim Welch stopped to congratulate Shabaneh and said the award makes him proud of his district.

“It makes you feel proud for the boy because he wrote a great little story about what makes him proud about his school and just makes you feel great about the community,” said Sen. Welch.

Shabaneh wrote that a clean place makes people relax and that helps him learn in the classroom.